Dambulla

Ancient cave temples and sacred rock art

Dambulla is one of Sri Lanka’s most important cultural destinations. The Royal Rock Temple complex contains five historic caves filled with Buddha statues, religious paintings and centuries of Buddhist art. The caves sit beneath a dramatic rocky outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside.

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Places to Explore in Dambulla

Discover the historic landmarks, cultural attractions and hidden gems that make Dambulla special.

Dambulla Cave Temples

Explore five sacred caves containing around 150 Buddha statues and remarkable ancient paintings.

Cave I – Devaraja Viharaya

Discover the famous 15-metre reclining Buddha and other sacred images inside the first cave.

Cave II – Maharaja Viharaya

The largest and most spectacular cave, decorated with Buddha statues, murals and Hindu deities.

Cave III – Maha Alut Viharaya

A beautiful cave temple filled with Buddha statues, including an impressive reclining Buddha.

Cave IV – Pachima Viharaya

A smaller western cave featuring a seated Buddha beneath an ornate makara torana.

Cave V – Devana Alut Viharaya

The Second New Temple features a reclining Buddha and representations of Hindu deities.

Dambulla Produce Market

Experience one of Sri Lanka’s largest wholesale produce markets and see local farmers bringing fresh produce to market.

Golden Temple

Visit the modern Golden Temple and its enormous golden Buddha at the foot of the cave temple hill.

Museum of Wall Paintings

Learn about Sri Lankan cave paintings, frescoes and the development of Buddhist wall art.

Tours through Dambulla

Family Holidays

Pinnawala → Dambulla → Sigiriya → Kandy

Sri Lanka Family Escape

A quick two-day taste of the Cultural Triangle, ideal for a short stopover between flights.

$25.00 – $202.00

2D / 1NACT10102

Family Holidays

Negombo → Dambulla → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Bentota → Galle → Colombo

Sri Lanka Family Escape

A leisurely ten-day circuit covering Negombo, the Cultural Triangle, hill country, a wildlife safari, and the south coast.

$154.00 – $1154.00

10D / 9NACT10110

Family Holidays

Negombo → Dambulla → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Bentota → Galle → Colombo

Sri Lanka Family Escape

The most complete Family Escape itinerary, an unhurried eleven-day loop covering the whole island with generous time for a wildlife safari and the south coast.

$170.00 – $1274.00

11D / 10NACT10111